Picture issued after girl goes missing in Thames while playing on school inset day

A picture has been released of an 11-year-old girl who has not been seen since she entered the Thames. The girl has been named by the Metropolitan Police as Kaliyah Coa.

She had been playing during a school inset day when the incident occurred, officers say. The force says it was alerted at 1.23pm on Monday, March 31 after Kaliyah entered the water near Barge House Causeway, E16.

999 crews attended the scene within minutes. A large-scale search was carried out in an effort to find her.

Now police say a "recovery mission" is taking place to find Kaliyah along the Thames. Police say they are using drones and boats in the search.

The Met says it is leading an "extensive" examination of the area. Chief Superintendent Dan Card, local policing commander for north east London, said: “Our specialist officers are supporting Kaliyah’s family through this deeply upsetting time and our thoughts go out to all those impacted by what has happened.

“We are committed to finding Kaliyah and are working with partners to conduct a thorough search over a wide area – utilising drone technology and boats. I’d like to thank the members of public, our first responding officers, and colleagues from other emergency services, as they responded rapidly to carry out a large-scale search during a highly pressurised and distressing time.

“Equally we appreciate this has affected the wider community who have been extremely supportive. You will see extra officers in the area during the coming days – if you have any concerns then please speak to them.”

If anyone has any relevant information they wish to share, please contact 101, quoting 3699/31Mar. If it is an emergency, dial 999.

Police say the family have asked for privacy during this distressing time.